Material for Studying the Gene Pools of Russia and Neighboring Countries: The Russian Population of the Pskov Oblast

The distributions of the genes and haplotypes for blood groups AB0, MN, Rhesus, P1, Lewis, and Kell–Cellano and biochemical markers of the genes of loci HP, GC, C"3, TF, 6PGD, GLO1, ESD, ACP1, and PGM1(including subtypes) were studied in 116 Russian subjects born in the Pskov oblast. Differences of this group from other Russian populations with respect to genetic structure were found.     

Polymorphism and methylation of four genes expressed in salivary glands of Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae)

DNA methylation is a general epigenetic mechanism for plants, animals, and fungi to adapt to environmental variation. Two biotypes of the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia), Biotype 1 and Biotype 2, have different virulence to host plants. In this study, in addition to a high polymorphism, DNA methylation at cytosines were observed in genomic fragments of four genes in Biotype 1 and Biotype 2, after the genomic DNA was treated with sodium bisulfite. These genes presumably encode proteins and enzymes in salivary glands of aphids. The two Biotype 1 showed different methylation levels, that is, Biotype 1 showed a higher methylation on the four genes. Two thirds of methyl cytosines were in a sequence context of CHH (H = A, C, or T). Some polymorphism and methylation sites were located at important positions in terms of enzyme function, such as close to catalytic residues or inhibitor binding residues. These findings may provide clues to explore the evolutionary mode between Russian wheat aphid virulence and resistance genes of host plants.     

The Frequencies of Alleles of Single Nucleotide Substitutions in the CCK and CCK2R Genes in Some Russian Cattle Breeds

Russian Journal of Genetics - Allele frequencies of three substitutions in the CCK (rs42891945 and rs42891946) and CCKBR (rs42670352) genes were identified in three Russian cattle breeds: Holstein...     

Identification of Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) populations virulent to the Dn4 resistance gene

The Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), is a serious worldwide pest of wheat and barley. Russian wheat aphid populations from Hungary, Russia, and Syria have previously been identified as virulent to D. noxia (Dn) 4, the gene in all Russian wheat aphid-resistant cultivars produced in Colorado. However, the virulence of Russian wheat aphid populations from central Europe, North Africa, and South America to existing Dn genes has not been assessed. Experiments with plants containing several different Dn genes demonstrated that populations from Chile, the Czech Republic, and Ethiopia are also virulent to Dn4. The Czech population was also virulent to plants containing the Dnx gene in wheat plant introduction PI220127. The Ethiopian population was also virulent to plants containing the Dny gene in the Russian wheat aphid-resistant 'Stanton' produced in Kansas. The Chilean and Ethiopian populations were unaffected by the antibiosis resistance in Dn4 plants. There were significantly more nymphs of the Chilean population on plants of Dn4 than on Dn6 plants at both 18 and 23 d postinfestation, and the Ethiopian population attained a significantly greater weight on Dn4 plants than on plants containing Dn5 or Dn6. These newly characterized virulent Russian wheat aphid populations pose a distinct threat to existing or proposed wheat cultivars possessing Dn4.     

Polymorphisms of Intracellular Cholesterol Transporters Genes: Relationship to Blood Lipid Levels,Carotid Intima-Media Thickness,and the Development of Coronary Heart Disease

Russian Journal of Genetics - The influence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of genes encoding intracellular cholesterol transporters, such as rs1883025 of ABCA1, rs217406 of NPC1L1, and...     

Association of cytochrome P450 genes polymorphisms (CYP1A1 and CYP1A2) with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Bashkortostan

To assess the role that polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 genes play in genetic predisposition to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the allele and genotype distributions of CYPIA1 (2455 A/G, 3801T/C) and CYP1A2 (-2464T/delT, -163C/A) genes were studied in Tatar and Russian COPD patients and in cases of healthy individuals (Russian, Tatar and Bashkir), residents of Bashkortostan. It was shown that the CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 genes haplotypes frequency distribution patterns do not differed between Tatars and Russians ethnic groups (chi2 = 0.973, df = 3, p = 1.00 and chi2 = 1.546, df = 3, p = 0.92, respectively). Analysis of the the CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 genes haplotypes revealed statistically significant differences in the haplotypes frequency distributions between Bashkirs versus Russians and Tatars (chi2 = 12.328, df= 3,p = 0.008; chi2 = 9.218, df=3, p = 0.034, respectively for CYP1A1 gene and (chi2 = 18.779, df=3, p = 0.0001, chi = 14.326, df=3, p = 0.003, respectively for CYP1A2 gene). The (-2467)delT allele and CYP1A2*1D haplotype of CYPIA2 gene was associated with higher risk of COPD in Tatar ethnic group (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.24-2.71, chi2 = 9.48, p = 0.003 and chi2 = 9.733, p = 0.0027, Pcor = 0.008; OR = 3.908, 95% CI 1.56-10.19, respectively). On the other hand the CYP1A2*1A haplotype had protective effect (chi2 = 6.319, p = 0.0127, Pcor = 0.038; OR = 0.6012, 95% CI 0.402-0.898). But at the same time we did not find any differences in the genotypes and haplotypes frequency distributions of the CYP1A2 gene within the patients and healthy groups in Russian ethnic group. We also did not find any association of CYP1A1 gene with COPD in ethnic groups of Bashkortostan.     

Specifics of the coat protein gene in Russian strains of the cucumber green mottle mosaic virus

The primary structure of the coat protein (CP) gene was examined for pathogenic strain MS-1 and vaccine strain VIROG-43M of the cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV). In CP amino acid composition, strains MS-1 and VIROG-43M are typical representatives of CGMMV: their CPs have 98–100% homology to CPs of other tobamoviruses of the group. The CP gene has the same nucleotide composition in pathogenic MS-1 and vaccine VIROG-43M, indicating that strain attenuation is not determined by this gene. The CP amino acid sequences of the two Russian strains are fully identical to the CP sequences of two Greek strains, GR-3 and GR-5. However, the nucleotide sequences of their genes differ in 13 bp, testifying to the difference between the Russian and Greek strains.     

Specifics of the coat protein gene in Russian strains of the cucumber green mottle mosaic virus

The primary structure of the coat protein (CP) gene was examined for pathogenic strain MS-1 and vaccine strain VIROG-43M of the cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV). In CP amino acid composition, strains MS-1 and VIROG-43M are typical representatives of CGMMV: their CPs have 98-100% homology to CPs of other tobamoviruses of the group. The CP gene has the same nucleotide composition in pathogenic MS-1 and vaccine VIROG-43M, indicating that strain attenuation is not determined by this gene. The CP amino acid sequences of the two Russian strains are fully identical to the CP sequences of two Greek strains, GR-3 and GR-5. However, the nucleotide sequences of their genes differ in 13 bp, testifying to the difference between the Russian and Greek strains.     

Glutathione-S-transferase gene polymorphism in Russian populations of European part of Russia

Distribution of several widespread, extensively studied polymorphic variants of genes of the cytosol glutathione-S-transferase subfamily (GSTA1, GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTP1, and GSTT1) has been studied in samples from Russian populations of European Russia, as well as Komi and Yakut populations used for comparison. Analysis of the GSTP1 and GSTM3 polymorphisms has not revealed significant differences in the distribution of alleles of the loci, including two-site GSTP1 haplotypes, in most Russian populations and between Komi populations. Only in the Yakut sample have a significant difference been found with respect to these loci in each pairwise comparison. Regarding the GSTT1 and GSTA1 genes, in addition to differences between the Yakut population and all other populations with respect to the GSTA1 gene, it has been found that the frequencies of the GSTT1 0/0 deletion genotype and GSTA1 ?69T allele in the Russian sample from Mezen’ (Arkhangel’sk oblast) are substantially lower than in other Russian populations and Komi populations. The significance of these differences has been confirmed by tests for heterogeneity of the entire pool of Russian populations.     

New data on the distribution of hybrid necrosis genes in winter bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars

Hybrid necrosis genotypes have been identified in 125 Russian cultivars of winter bread wheat. More than half of them (56%) carry the Ne2 gene (genotype ne1ne1Ne2Ne2); others are free of necrosis genes (genotype ne1ne1ne2ne2). The possible causes of the increase in the Ne2 allele frequency and the loss of the Ne1Ne1ne2ne2 genotype in modem Russian cultivars of winter wheat are discussed. The principal component method has been used to compare the structures of the genetic diversity of cultivars differing in the hybrid necrosis genotype. It has been found that the Ne2 allele in winter wheat cultivars from northern Russia has originated from the cultivar Mironovskaya 808, whereas the cultivar Bezostaya 1 is not a source of this gene. In cultivars from southern Russia, the presence of the Ne2 allele is also mainly accounted for by the use of Mironovskaya 808 wheat in their breeding. The recessive genotype is explained by the presence of descendants of the cultivar Odesskaya 16 in the pedigrees of southern Russian winter wheats. The genetic relationship of cultivars with identical and different necrosis genotypes has been analyzed in nine regions of the Russian Federation.     

Genome-wide association study of allergic diseases in Russians of Western Siberia

Genome-wide association studies are currently considered as one of the most powerful tools to establishing the genetic basis of complex diseases. A number of such studies were carried out for allergic diseases; however, in Russian population this analysis has not been performed so far. For the first time, we performed genome-wide association study of allergic diseases in Russian inhabitants of Western Siberia. Two new loci associated with childhood bronchial asthma were identified (20q13.12, rs2425656, P = 1.99 x 10(-7); 1q32.1, rs3817222, rs12734001, P = 2.18 x 10(-7) and 2.79 x 10(-7), respectively) as well as one locus, associated with allergic rhinitis (2q36.1, rs1597167, P = 3.69 x 10(-7)). Genes located in the loci, YWHAB and PPP1R12B for asthma and KCNE4 for allergic rhinitis, are new genes for these diseases. It was found that BAT1 (6p21.33), MAGI2 (7q21.11) and ACPL2 (3q23) genes are, likely, common (syntropic) genes of allergic disease and a topic sensitisation. It was shown that RIT2 (18q12.3) and (5q31.1) genes can be involved in the control of lung function. The results of the study enlarge the body of data on genetic factors of allergy and expand the list of genes underlying these diseases.     

The possible role of genetic factors in the cholesterol high density lipoprotein level in the Moscow population

The study was aimed at clarifying the relative roles of genetic and environmental factors in determination of the blood concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the Russian population. For this purpose, some polymorphic systems of the apolipoproteins B, CII, and CIII; cholesterol ether transport protein (CETP); and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) genes were compared in two groups of males living in Moscow who had high and low blood HDL-C concentrations (less than 40 and more than 50 mg/dl, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found between distributions of the allelic variants of the genes studied in males with different blood HDL-C concentrations. Thus, the given panel of proteins connected with the metabolism of blood plasma lipids has no effect on the blood HDL-C concentration in Russian males from the Moscow population.     

Polymorphism of glutathione S-transferases M1 and T1 in several populations of Russia

Frequencies of the wild-type and null genotypes of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes were established in healthy donors from several Russian populations (ethnic Russians from the towns of Oshevensk and Kholmogory, Arkhangel'sk oblast; ethnic Khants; ethnic Kalmyks; and ethnic Buryats) in order to identify the ethnic group with the maximal frequency of the null genotype. The highest frequency of individuals with the null genotype of both genes was observed in the Kalmyk and Buryat populations. The results may be used to study the effect of climatic and ecological conditions on multifactorial disease incidence in populations.     

Distribution and diversity of Russian wheat aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) biotypes in South Africa and Lesotho

Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) was recorded for the first time in South Africa in 1978. In 2005, a second biotype, RWASA2, emerged, and here we report on the emergence of yet another biotype, found for the first time in 2009. The discovery of new Russian wheat aphid biotypes is a significant challenge to the wheat, Triticum aestivum L., industry in South Africa. Russian wheat aphid resistance in wheat, that offered wheat producers a long-term solution to Russian wheat aphid control, may no longer be effective in areas where the new biotypes occur. It is therefore critical to determine the diversity and extent of distribution of biotypes in South Africa to successfully deploy Russian wheat aphid resistance in wheat. Screening of 96 Russian wheat aphid clones resulted in identification of three Russian wheat aphid biotypes. Infestations of RWASA1 caused susceptible damage symptoms only in wheat entries containing the Dn3 gene. Infestations of RWASA2 caused susceptible damage symptoms in wheat entries containing Dn1, Dn2, Dn3, and Dn9 resistant genes. Based on the damage-rating scores for the seven resistance sources, a new biotype, which caused damage rating scores different from those for RWASA1 and RWASA2, was evident among the Russian wheat aphid populations tested. This new biotype is virulent to the same resistance sources as RWASA2 (Dn1, Dn2, Dn3, and Dn9), but it also has added virulence to Dn4, whereas RWASA2 is avirulent to this resistance source.     

Distribution and diversity of russian wheat aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) biotypes in North America

Wheat, Triticum aestivum L., with Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) resistance based on the Dn4 gene has been important in managing Russian wheat aphid since 1994. Recently, five biotypes (RWA1-RWA5) of this aphid have been described based on their ability to differentially damage RWA resistance genes in wheat. RWA2, RWA4, and RWA5 are of great concern because they can kill wheat with Dn4 resistance. In 2005, 365 Russian wheat aphid clone colonies were made from collections taken from 98 fields of wheat or barley, Hordeum vulgare L., in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming to determine their biotypic status. The biotype of each clone was determined through its ability to differentially damage two resistant and two susceptible wheat entries in two phases of screening. The first phase determined the damage responses of Russian wheat aphid wheat entries with resistance genes Dn4, Dn7, and susceptible 'Custer' to infestations by each clone to identify RWA1 to RWA4. The second phase used the responses of Custer and 'Yuma' wheat to identify RWA1 and RWA5. Only two biotypes, RWA1 and RWA2, were identified in this study. The biotype composition across all collection sites was 27.2% RWA1 and 72.8% RWA2. RWA biotype frequency by state indicated that RWA2 was the predominant biotype and composed 73-95% of the biotype complex in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Wyoming. Our study indicated that RWA2 is widely distributed and that it has rapidly dominated the biotype complex in wheat and barley within its primary range from Texas to Wyoming. Wheat with the Dn4 resistance gene will have little value in managing RWA in the United States, based on the predominance of RWA2.     

Field evaluation of emmer wheat-derived synthetic hexaploid wheat for resistance to Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Broadening the genetic base for resistance to Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) (Homoptera: Aphididae), in bread wheat, Triticum aestivum L., is desirable. To date, identified Russian wheat aphid resistance genes are either located to the D chromosomes or to rye translocation of wheat, and resistance derived from the A or B genomes of tetraploid Triticum spp. would therefore be highly beneficial. Fifty-eight synthetic hexaploid wheat, derived from interspecific crosses of Triticum dicoccum Schrank. and Aegilops tauschii (Coss.) Schmal. and their parents were evaluated for resistance to Russian wheat aphid under field conditions. Plots infested with aphids were compared with plots protected with insecticides. The T. dicoccum parents were highly resistant to Russian wheat aphids, whereas the Ae. tauschii parents were susceptible. Resistance levels observed in the synthetic hexaploids were slightly below the levels of their T. dicoccum parents when a visual damage scale was used. but no major resistance suppression was observed among the synthetics. Russian wheat aphid infestation on average reduced plant height and kernel weight at harvest in the synthetic hexaploids and the T. dicoccum parents by 3-4%, whereas the susceptible control 'Seri M82' suffered losses of above 20%. Because resistance in the synthetic hexaploid wheat is derived from their T. dicoccum parent, resistance gene(s) must be located on the A and/or B genomes. They must therefore be different from previously identified Russian wheat aphid resistance genes, which have all been located on the D genome of wheat or on translocated segments.     

From the mechanisms of genetic transposition to the functional genomics

Pioneer works on studying molecular mechanisms of mutagenesis were published in the journal Genetika in the 1960s. In the laboratory of S.I. Alikhanian, studies on molecular mechanisms of genetic transposition were initiated in the late 1960s on the model of bacteriophage transposon Mu (Mutator). Parallel to these studies conducted in the laboratory of plant molecular genetics (Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the USSR), which was later named the Laboratory of Functional Genomics (Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences), studies on transposition of Ti-plasmid T-DNA of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and works on construction of transgenic plants began in this laboratory. Transgenic plants with the expressed bacterial genes provided a model for the functional genomics. This topic is considered here in detail.__________Translated from Genetika, Vol. 41, No. 4, 2005, pp. 440–454.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Piruzian.In connection with the anniversary of the Russian Journal of Genetics, this review is dedicated to the memory of one of the founders of this journal, an outstanding Russian geneticist, my mentor Professor S.I. Alikhanyan.     

Shared Signatures of Selection Related to Adaptation and Acclimation in Local Cattle and Sheep Breeds from Russia

Russian Journal of Genetics - The aim of this study was to identify common candidate genes related to environmental adaptation including the cold climates in Russian native cattle and sheep breeds....